Spring is finally here. My dogwood trees are blooming. Every time I see the dogwood I am reminded of a legend that I have heard several times. The legend says that at the time of the crucifixion the dogwood tree was as large and strong as an oak and was the tree of which the cross of Jesus was made. Jesus was said to have sensed that the dogwood tree was sorrowful because it was used for such a purpose and that Jesus then blessed the tree by making it never to grow large enough again to make a cross. The blooms would be in in the form of a cross. In the center of the outer edge of each petal will be the print of nails. In the center of the flower, stained with blood, will be a crown of thorns so that all who see it will remember.

So while this is certainly just a legend, it is nice to have a reminder of the love of Jesus in the dogwood. Wednesday we practiced a beautiful arrangement of a hymn by Charles Wesley. The words, like the dogwood story have been in my heart and head all week. Here are words.

Arise My Soul Arise Charles WesleyArise, my soul, arise; shake off thy guilty fears; The bleeding sacrifice in my behalf appears: Before the throne my surety stands, Before the throne my surety stands, My name is written on His hands.He ever lives above, for me to intercede; His all redeeming love, His precious blood, to plead: His blood atoned for all our race, His blood atoned for all our race, And sprinkles now the throne of grace. Five bleeding wounds He bears; received on Calvary; They pour effectual prayers; they strongly plead for me: "Forgive him, O forgive," they cry, "Forgive him, O forgive," they cry, "Nor let that ransomed sinner die!" The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed One; He cannot turn away, the presence of His Son; His Spirit answers to the blood, His Spirit answers to the blood, And tells me I am born of God. My God is reconciled; His pardoning voice I hear; He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear: With confidence I now draw nigh, With confidence I now draw nigh, And "Father, Abba, Father," cry.

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I am a daughter, a wife, a mother and now a grandmother. I am wonderfully loved first by Jesus Christ then by two wonderful parents, three sisters and their families, a special husband, two extraordinary children and a wonderful son in law and daughter in law, two new grandsons, and dear Christian friends. I seek now to serve Christ in new ways in my retirement!